MWL Secretary General Receives Media Delegation in Makkah

Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa received a media delegation from Arab, Islamic, and international news agencies at the MWL headquarters in Makkah on Wednesday, June 13, 2024. The delegation visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to cover the Hajj season for 1445 AH in partnership with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). SPA President Dr. Fahd bin Hassan Al Aqran attended the meeting, underscoring the significance of the gathering for fostering media cooperation and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in facilitating global religious and cultural dialogue.

Context and Background

The meeting took place during the Hajj season, a period when millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. The MWL, headquartered in Makkah, serves as a global Islamic non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting moderate Islam and interfaith understanding. The partnership with SPA reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting accurate and constructive media coverage of the Hajj and the Kingdom’s broader initiatives.

Dr. Al-Issa’s engagement with the delegation aligns with the MWL’s longstanding mission to bridge cultural and religious divides. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the “Building Bridges between East and West” initiative, which was celebrated by the United Nations during an international conference at its New York headquarters. This initiative, rooted in Islamic values of understanding, peace, and cooperation, exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster global harmony.

Key Details

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Issa elaborated on the clash of civilizations theory and the MWL’s efforts to counter it through dialogue and cooperation. He highlighted the Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, launched from the MWL’s main headquarters in Madinah. The museum aims to create replicas worldwide, using modern technology to present the Prophet’s biography and Islamic civilization in a contemporary manner, with scenes depicting significant aspects of the prophetic community.

Dr. Al-Issa also addressed the tragedy in Gaza, describing it as a “stain on humanity’s conscience” and stressed the critical role of the media in revealing the truth. He praised the sincere and practical efforts toward the Gaza issue and Palestinian rights, referring to Saudi Arabia’s political and humanitarian endeavours in this regard. SPA President Dr. Al Aqran expressed gratitude to Dr. Al-Issa, emphasizing that the meeting would mark the beginning of genuine media cooperation with the MWL to convey its noble message to all peoples of the Islamic world.

Implications and Impact

This meeting underscores the MWL’s role as a bridge between East and West, promoting mutual respect and understanding. It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and humanitarian causes through diplomatic and media channels. The collaboration between MWL and international news agencies is expected to enhance accurate reporting on Islamic issues and foster greater global awareness of Saudi Arabia’s contributions to peace and dialogue.

Furthermore, the engagement reflects the Kingdom’s broader strategy to leverage media partnerships to showcase its modernization efforts and Vision 2030 objectives. By facilitating access for international journalists to key Saudi institutions and figures, the Kingdom reinforces its openness and commitment to transparent communication.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, cultural exchange, and media as tools for showcasing the Kingdom’s progress and global role. The MWL’s initiatives, such as the Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and the “Building Bridges between East and West” program, align with Vision 2030’s goals of promoting moderate Islam and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing. This meeting exemplifies how Saudi institutions collaborate with international media to advance mutual understanding and support the Kingdom’s vision for a prosperous and interconnected world.

20 Questions

Q1. Who received the media delegation in Makkah?

A1. Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, received the delegation at the MWL headquarters in Makkah.

Q2. What was the purpose of the delegation’s visit to Saudi Arabia?

A2. The delegation visited to cover the Hajj season for 1445 AH in partnership with the Saudi Press Agency, highlighting the significance of the annual pilgrimage.

Q3. Who attended the meeting alongside Dr. Al-Issa?

A3. Dr. Fahd bin Hassan Al Aqran, President of the Saudi Press Agency, attended the meeting, emphasizing the collaboration between MWL and SPA.

Q4. What initiative did Dr. Al-Issa discuss regarding East-West relations?

A4. He discussed the “Building Bridges between East and West” initiative, which promotes understanding, peace, and cooperation based on Islamic values and was celebrated by the UN.

Q5. Where was the “Building Bridges between East and West” initiative celebrated?

A5. It was celebrated during an international conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, recognizing its contributions to global dialogue.

Q6. What is the Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization?

A6. It is a museum launched by the MWL in Madinah that uses modern technology to present the Prophet’s biography and Islamic civilization in a contemporary manner.

Q7. What are the objectives of the museum?

A7. The museum aims to create replicas worldwide, educating people about the Prophet’s life and Islamic civilization through innovative and engaging displays.

Q8. How does the museum depict the prophetic community?

A8. It uses scenes that show significant aspects of the prophetic community, bringing history to life for visitors.

Q9. What did Dr. Al-Issa say about the tragedy in Gaza?

A9. He described it as a “stain on humanity’s conscience” and stressed the media’s critical role in revealing the truth about the situation.

Q10. Whose efforts did Dr. Al-Issa praise regarding the Gaza issue?

A10. He praised Saudi Arabia’s political and humanitarian endeavours in support of the Gaza issue and Palestinian rights.

Q11. What did Dr. Al Aqran express gratitude for?

A11. He thanked Dr. Al-Issa for the opportunity to meet with news agencies, highlighting the start of genuine media cooperation with the MWL.

Q12. What does the MWL aim to achieve through media cooperation?

A12. The MWL seeks to convey its noble message to all peoples of the Islamic world, fostering understanding and peace through accurate media coverage.

Q13. How does the MWL counter the clash of civilizations theory?

A13. Through initiatives like “Building Bridges between East and West,” the MWL promotes dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, rejecting the notion of inevitable conflict.

Q14. What role does the SPA play in this partnership?

A14. The SPA facilitates media coverage of the Hajj and supports the MWL’s efforts to communicate its message to a global audience.

Q15. Why is the Hajj season significant for this meeting?

A15. The Hajj brings together millions of Muslims, providing a platform for the MWL and SPA to highlight Saudi Arabia’s role in serving pilgrims and promoting Islamic unity.

Q16. How does the MWL’s work align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A16. It aligns by promoting moderate Islam, international cooperation, and cultural exchange, which are key pillars of Vision 2030’s goals for a prosperous and interconnected world.

Q17. What is the significance of the Museum of the Prophet’s Biography being launched from Madinah?

A17. Madinah is a holy city with deep Islamic heritage, making it a fitting location to showcase the Prophet’s biography and Islamic civilization to the world.

Q18. How does Dr. Al-Issa view the role of media in addressing global issues?

A18. He views media as crucial for revealing truth and fostering understanding, especially in highlighting humanitarian crises like Gaza and promoting peace.

Q19. What does the MWL hope to achieve by engaging with international news agencies?

A19. The MWL aims to build genuine media cooperation to spread its message of peace, understanding, and moderation across the Islamic world and beyond.

Q20. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Islamic world?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, supporting Palestinian rights, and promoting moderate Islam through institutions like the MWL and SPA.

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